Effect of pilates training on hepatic fat content and liver enzymes in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Qazvin

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with fat accumulation and deposition in liver cells, is a serious risk factor for other diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pilates training on hepatic fat content and liver enzymes in men with NAFLD in 2019.

In this semi-experimental study, 20 men with NAFLD were randomly divided into Pilates training (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The Pilates group participated in the Pilates training program for eight weeks (three 60-minute sessions per week), whereas the control group engaged in no regular physical activity. The body composition, anthropometric indices, liver fat content, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured before and after the training period. Eventually, data were analyzed using paired and independent t tests at a significance level of 0.05 by SPSS 18.

After eight weeks of Pilates training, liver fat content in the Pilates group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P=0.001). Further, the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP significantly decreased in the Pilates group compared to the control group (P=0.04, P=0.05, and P=0.02, respectively). In addition, eight weeks of Pilates training significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, and the waist-to-hip ratio of patients, while no significant changes were observed in the control group.

The results of the present study indicated that Pilates training could be effective in improving liver fat content and reducing the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in men with NAFLD. Furthermore, Pilates training helps to improve body composition and anthropometric indices in patients afflicted with NAFLD and can have a role in the management of this condition.